Analytics: How MPS providers can unlock strategic value
April 21, 2024
Analytics, Article, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Transformation, Managed Print Services, Research, Sustainability, Trends
Managed Print Service (MPS) providers have a significant opportunity to leverage the wealth of data generated by MFPs to deliver strategic value to their clients and gain a competitive edge. Quocirca’s Analytics Landscape Report 2024 delves into the analytical solutions provided by MPS providers and Independent Software Vendors (ISVs), spotlighting those who are at the forefront of developing sophisticated analytics platforms. These platforms are designed to provide customers with comprehensive insights into various operational aspects, including device efficiency, service metrics, usage patterns for printing and scanning, environmental performance and overall fleet security
MPS assessments
Vendors with strong MPS portfolios are already leveraging data for assessment, optimisation, and monitoring in order to design and implement cost-effective MPS solutions. Many have extended their offering into workflow analytics, advising organisations on how they can replace inefficient, paper-based processes.
Predictive maintenance is an established feature of MPS engagements, but it is growing more intelligent and capable of integrating with processes such as automated parts ordering and consumables provision. Vendors are supporting maintenance engagements with AI-powered solutions that ensure engineers are always deployed with the right parts and information to complete their task and minimise the number of visits and time required to keep fleets at optimum performance levels.
Security analytics
Security and compliance are twin drivers for interest in analytics that provide assurance over the security of documents and devices. On the device itself, monitoring analytics provide information about usage and device health, with integration into SIEMs ensuring devices are managed within the overall security strategy of the organisation.
Content analytics that scan documents for sensitive data prior to printing can be integrated into rules-based solutions that limit printing of sensitive documents to authorised users. Similarly, analysing the content of scanned documents allows data classification tools to set levels of protection automatically as the data enters the customer’s information system.
Sustainability analytics
According to Quocirca research, two-thirds of customers consider print suppliers helping them measure the environmental impact of printing important. This can be achieved through a range of device and policy activities, from print management solutions that mandate paper and energy-saving practices to energy consumption monitoring and automated deployment of energy-saving modes. MFPs are often also equipped with environment-monitoring sensors that collect data on temperature and humidity, which can be incorporated into building information management systems for further analysis and action.
Several vendors and ISVs offer sustainability assessments that benchmark current performance and identify areas for improvement. This is valuable to organisations that are in scope of regulations such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and thus need to demonstrate robust control over environmental impact and show progress towards targets.
The Future of MPS: Data-Driven and Client-Centric
By embracing analytics, MPS providers can transform their offerings and position themselves as a strategic partner. The shift from reactive service models to proactive optimisation fosters stronger client relationships and opens doors for recurring revenue streams from analytics-based services. Quocirca’s Analytics Landscape Report 2024 provides a detailed comparison of analytics offerings for MPS providers and ISVs in the print market.
Vendor profiled in this report include:
OEMs: Canon, Epson, HP, Lexmark, Konica Minolta, Toshiba, Xerox
ISVs: Intuitive, MyQ, MPS Monitor, NT-Ware, PaperCut, Printix (Tungsten Automation), Pharos, Vasion, Y Soft
